KUCHING: Sarawak football legend Joseph Kalang Tie has expressed his pride and congratulations to Kuching City FC right-back Jimmy Raymond, who has been called up to represent Harimau Malaya in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024.
Joseph, a former Malaysian national team player and now a youth coach for Kuching City B, shared his heartfelt message on Facebook, commending Jimmy’s journey and resilience.
“With hard work and the spirit of never giving up within you, you now deserve to be where you are. There was a time when you were tested by various challenges and obstacles. You once worked as a ‘car wash’ attendant without a team.
“But you never gave up, and you were supported by someone named ‘Lai Lai’ (referring to former Sarawak footballer Rames Lai Ban Huat). Keep it up, Jim. There’s a long way to go, and more to come,” he said.
Joseph also expressed hope that Jimmy’s spirit of perseverance will serve as motivation for Sarawakians to continue progressing and achieving more.
“It’s something I’ve always believed in: we have Sarawakian players with so much talent; they just need to learn how to push themselves.
“I am proud to see a Sarawakian in the national team, and I hope there will be more to come after this. Talent alone is not enough without a good attitude, discipline, and hard work,” he added.
Jimmy, a native of Bintulu, began his professional football career with Sarawak FA before joining Kuching City FC’s first team.
Known for his overlapping runs and solid defensive abilities, Jimmy has earned his spot in the national squad.
The Malaysian football team will play their Group A opening match against Cambodia at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The Harimau Malaya squad will then meet Timor-Leste at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Dec 11, defending champions Thailand in Bangkok (Dec 14), and Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil (Dec 20).
